Summary Report
Workforce Planning Hamilton’s (WPH) Labour Market Plan (LMP) is a community plan that identifies recent labour market developments and promotes action to address urgent workforce development priorities. In 2014 WPH conducted a thorough review of the local labour market that included over 75 employer interviews as well as consultations with community partners that established the current priorities for action. Our 2015 LMP is an update of this community plan. It documents Hamilton’s recent labour market conditions and reviews the priorities identified in 2014 to determine next steps in our action plan. Looking at current trends, it is becoming increasing clear that Hamilton has emerged from the recession of the late 2000s. There are many new construction projects completed or underway. From the new Light Rail Transit announcement earlier this year, to the increasing number of condo towers under construction in the core, as well as McMaster’s investment in the new Continuing Education Centre and the David Braley Health Sciences Centre also in the downtown, Hamilton’s economy continues to perform well. In fact, according to a Colliers International Report1 released earlier in 2015, Hamilton is the best place to invest for businesses. It has many key attributes such as affordable commercial properties and is recognized as having a well-educated labour force.
2015
Labour Market Plan A Multi-Year Plan for Labour Market Development in Hamilton
An ever-increasing number of job seeking clients are using Employment Services and Literacy and Basic Skills programs. The largest increases are over a three year period, where ES clients have grown by 41.1% and LBS clients have grown by 31.1%.
A recent report by Workforce Planning Hamilton, Putting the Puzzle Together: Skills Alignment in Hamilton’s Transforming Economy, shows that the skill levels of prevalent occupations are increasing. From 2001-2011 employment in occupations requiring postsecondary education increased over 10% in Hamilton. Close to two-thirds (60.6%) of labour demand in Hamilton requires a postsecondary level of education. Sectors showing the greatest evidence of skills mismatch include Manufacturing; Health Care and Social Assistance; Professional, Scientific and Technical Services; Finance Insurance, Real Estate, Leasing and Construction. Understanding employer needs is vital to the labour market planning process and WPH’s annual employer survey provides valuable information on the current labour market demand. • Hamilton employers have a positive outlook as almost half of all respondents see their organization growing and 87% plan on hiring in the next year. 92% hired at least one position in the past year. • 22% of employers said skills requirement Hamilton’s Labour Market at a Glance – 2014 (CMA) will increase by a significant extent in five Employment 383,700 Increase of 3.8% from the height of the years, and 60% said it would increase by a recession in 2009 moderate extent. Unemployment Rate 5.80% Down 2.7 percentage points from 2009 • The majority of employers find recruitment a somewhat challenging issue, and about a Participation Rate 64 Down 3.5% since 2009 third find it very challenging. Source: Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey 1
Colliers International, Cities of Opportunity (August 2015).